Grace Hopper was a mathematician who pioneered the use of
English-like programming languages. She programmed with binary
machine code, which kept the field limited to specialists. Then
she developed the A-O
system for the UNIVAC
1 in 1951, the first
ever computer compiler.

Hopper did further research for
the Navy until she was 79 when she retired with the rank of rear
admiral. She passed away at 85 in 1992.

Below is a video of Admiral
Hopper giving a presentation. The audience, as you'll be able to
tell, is entertained and charmed. The audio isn't perfect, but
clears up around 3:26.